No refunds for Sentosa Sky Lantern Festival after last minute light-up cancellation, but tickets can be used for 'rescheduled event' or resold, says organiser
The statement was made by Shiermie Bautista of Asian Couture and Boutique, one of the events's organisers.
SINGAPORE — The event organiser of the recently held sky lantern festival at Sentosa has declared that attendees will not be receiving refunds, despite widespread disappointment over the cancellation of the event's much-anticipated candle light-up.
Shiermie Bautista of Asian Couture and Boutique, one of the event's organisers, said on Tuesday (27 Feb) that ticket sales were final and non-refundable. Bautista was one of two contacts shared by a Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) spokesperson earlier for ticket holders should reach out concerning refunds.
"Tickets are valid for entry at the time of rescheduled event around 1st week of April," Bautista's Facebook post read. "For those who can't attend the next event, you can resell your tickets at TicketSwap. Thank you for your kind understanding."
Lack of refunds and communication leave some attendees confused
A TikTok user, Leamingtondiaries, who attended the event, expressed frustration in an interview with Yahoo Southeast Asia on Wednesday (28 Feb), saying, "I'm even more confused. How can they not allow refunds? It's not very nice of them to do that. I mean, yay that it's happening but the way they have handled the entire thing is so poor."
She also emphasised the lack of communication, pointing out the absence of email notifications about this matter. She said, "(It's just) a Facebook post saying, 'Oh, sorry for the inconvenience. No refunds, but you can sell your ticket on TicketSwap'."
Disappointment at Sky Lantern Festival as safety concerns prompt last-minute changes
The festival, held at Palawan Green on 21 Feb, charged $50 per person excluding booking fees and had promised a picturesque lantern light-up with burning candles.
However, attendees were met with disappointment as "unforeseen circumstances" led to the cancellation of this highlight. Instead, LED candles were provided, and attendees were given pens to write their wishes on the lanterns before tying them to barricades.
SDC later disclosed that the event organiser failed to secure the necessary licenses and clearance to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
An SDC spokesperson had also said that the event was organised by a third party — Asian Couture & Boutique — which rented the venue.
The spokesperson had previously advised ticketholders to contact the event organiser directly for refunds, with contact details including Steven Lau at 9455 5212 and Bautista at shiermie85@gmail.com or 84248725.
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